Language and Literacy as Lens for Learning about Self and Other (RE 219)

In this class, we explore how languaging processes affects our understanding of literacy acquisition. By looking into our own literacy practices, we learn more about the multiple, often divergent, ways literacy develops. The goal is to build a nuanced perspective on literacy processes in order to learn about the literacy teaching craft. 

Faculty biography

Dr. Margarita Gomez is an associate professor of literacy education. She joined the faculty at Loyola in 2012. Since then, she has taught a variety of literacy courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research focuses on the language and literacy development of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Margarita is often involved in doing engaged scholarship in elementary schools. 

Looking Beyond Ourselves: Writing for Action (WR 100)

Think about your favorite piece of writing -- what effect does it have on you? Effective writing has the strength to make someone laugh, think, learn and act. Your mission is in this course to write with strength and confidence. In this class, you will think about how powerful writing affects you both as a reader and a writer. Reading pieces by writers like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Susan Casey will give you the chance to look through the lens of other writers in order to sharpen or refocus your own. Activities out of the classroom will serve to broaden your understanding of yourself in the context of your new community as well. In addition, you have the opportunity to take one of two tracks: the traditional path or the service-learning option. Service offers yet another text to integrate among our readings, discussions, and writing opportunities. On the service track, you’ll be asked to see yourself in direct relationship to those you meet at Tunbridge Charter School. Whether you opt for service-learning or not, you will have the opportunity to serve people outside our classroom through your writing. We will always try to contextualize our discussions beyond ourselves and to see how writers attempt to move their readers and affect the world around them. As you look beyond yourself, you will use your writing to envision who you wish to become. Along the way, you'll be writing for action.

Faculty biography

Dr. Andrea Leary is a Lecturer and the Internship Coordinator in the Department of Writing, where she has been teaching for the last 27 years. In all of her classes, her goal is to guide her students toward excellence in writing while keeping the Jesuit mission of “men and women with and for others” in their thoughts. Margaret Mead’s reminder guides her teaching: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Mentor biography

Amy Horst is he Men's & Women's Cross Country and Women's Track Coach. She's been at Loyola for 12 years and loves continuing to engage with the Loyola and Baltimore community through athletics, the running community, and serving in Messina and those with food insecurities in Baltimore. Messina is a highlight of her week as she enjoys growing through the new opportunities and challenges with her class.

 

Virtual Advisor

This course pairing is strongly recommended for students interested in exploring an Elementary Education major. WR 100 satisfies the Writing Core Requirement for all students. For students not majoring in Elementary Education, RE 219 will count as an elective.